57 In Life/ Recipes

Lately & A Recipe

Good Morning!

First, Happy Birthday to my sweet Paiger! You are a joy to have in our home, you continually crack us up and we simply cannot believe you are FOUR! What a sweet, squirrely, & shy little girl you are… we love you!

raiger

Second, I have a recipe to share! A recipe for an easy, fresh and delicious summer side: Creamy Corn Salad. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe and we all love it. And it’s a perfect garden recipe to use up your cucumbers & tomatoes {in our case grape tomatoes which seem to be the only tomatoes we can grow well}! Here are a few pictures followed by the recipe.

ingredients

corntomatoescucumbers

cornsalad

::Creamy Corn Salad::
1 can of Shoepeg corn {I drain mine but you don’t have to}
1 handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half {you can use any tomatoes here}
2 cucumbers peeled, seeded and diced {you can use more or less if you like}
1 red onion {cut in rings if you’re a weeny and just want the flavor}
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
salt {I prefer Jane’s Krazy}
pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice
{my mother-in-law adds celery seed too… but I didn’t have any and it’s good with or without!}

Mix veggies together in large bowl and add to it sour cream, mayonnaise, and pickle juice. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let sit in fridge for a few hours before serving. You can also garnish with bacon crumbles…. mmmm! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd! Enjoy and trust me… it’s DELICIOUS!!

Now, here’s what we’ve been up to…

books

Lot’s of reading. Our favorites continue to be Rosemary Wells, Richard Scary, and the Usborne books for beginner readers!

raigercheeks

Little Paiger seems to be feeling much better and I could eat herย  happy little cheeks off! She has requested that she grow her hair out because she wants a ponytail! Yesterday I had a sitter for a few hours; a sitter/friend that knows how to operate my camera {really well} and I came home to a camera full of fun shots… including several of these!

We’ve also been playing our VBS cd really loud on the cd player while we clean…

allthreesink

Don’t let the picture deceive you, this is not a common occurrence. In fact, I don’t remember this ever happening before! But I am learning that a little music can work wonders to get little worker bees to help out around the house… the more fun you make it, the more enthusiastic they will be. I only had to dry the kitchen floor with 2 or 3 bath towels when they were done. It didn’t bother me too much though, I was grateful for their help and I noticed my dishes have never been so clean before being loaded into the dishwasher!

whistlewhileyouwork

mandp

I love the morning light that shines in this window! The girls have been soย  busy doing puzzles. It’s been so very hot we’ve had to get a little creative on inside activities… puzzles have certainly been a hit!

me&girls

I still haven’t managed to work on my Italy pictures yet… but Justin did snap a picture of me and the girls in dresses that I found for them when we were in Florence. They’re sweet little linen dresses {with pockets!} and the girls love them… and I do too! We tried to get Rover in a picture but this is the best we could do…

me&all3

You’d think Morgan saw a ghost!ย  Paige thought if she’d tickle his neck he’d smile… no such luck! ๐Ÿ™‚

Before I go I want to share a website of a family in our community, the Harrisons. Jared worked for our church for a season and their family is going through the horrific experience of childhood cancer with their 4-year old daughter, Hannah Grace. I’ve asked for prayer for their family in the past and I come to you all again to ask that you pray for this family. Hannah Grace has had a long {nearly 2 year} battle with brain cancer and in the last week they found out that it is back. She is at home and in the care of Hospice and I would just ask that you all pray for this sweet family as they care for Hannah Grace and that the Lord will be mighty in mercy towards them.ย  Jared’s most recent post has a video at the end of Hannah Grace at her princess party and it is so very powerful. Jared and Marci have clung to the cross through this entire battle and have an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness in spite of their struggles. Thank you for thinking of and praying for them!

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  • paige
    July 14, 2010 at 5:42 am

    good morning gorgeous friend~

    LOVE those wonderful dresses!

    happy birthday to your sweet paige. so glad she’s all better.

    thanks for the scoop on eden park. we never got there….it was our last day. we ended up with some pretty shots over at rosemary, my new crush.

    so glad you’re all better too!

    praying for precious hannah grace

  • Stephanie
    July 14, 2010 at 6:09 am

    Happy birthday to cutie pie, Paige! I love their little linen dresses, but my dear, wherever did you get that shirt?! It’s lovely! Is it part of the dress {in which case – where is the dress from?} or a separate?

    Praying for sweet Hannah Grace. I can’t imagine their sorrow but how encouraging their faith is to me.

  • Justine
    July 14, 2010 at 6:17 am

    I just love your blog, and the beautiful photos of your family. :o)

  • erika (mommasissy)
    July 14, 2010 at 6:33 am

    Morning! Balling my eyes out. Sweet Hannah Grace, I will be praying for her and her family. What a precious princess party that was!!

    And… I love you Paiger, Happy Birthday! Will call in a little while once you are awake to sing to you!!!! Can’t wait to see you Saturday! XOXO

  • Whitney Lee
    July 14, 2010 at 6:36 am

    My sweet friend, Morgan, had I believe what’s called a “brain fungus.” She had it once as a child, and it came back with a vengeance in her early teens. They gave the illness to the Lord, and miraculously, and after much prayer, it disappeared! The doctors told her that she would never have children; she gave birth to her second child this Monday! God is good, He is faithful! Just wanted to share her testimony!

  • Hannah
    July 14, 2010 at 6:58 am

    Your children are soooo precious… Enjoy every moment. You will have to frame that picture of them helping you clean the kitchen—too sweet!!
    Blessings for a great rest of the summer!

  • Miranda
    July 14, 2010 at 7:02 am

    Happy Birthday to your little Paige. Our Sam turned four this past Monday! By the way, I’ve never commented before. We are the same age and 3 of my 4 children are the same age as your’s. So, I really enjoy reading you blog!

  • Alison
    July 14, 2010 at 7:19 am

    I have enjoyed reading your blog for about a year now. I am sorry that you and Paige have been ill, but I am delighted that you feeling better.

    I am friends with Jarrod, Marci and the kids. Although I live in Central Alabama, we met at Children’s hospital when my daughter was on treatment for cancer as well.

    Thank you SO much for putting their name out there for your readers. I encourage everyone to stop by their page (www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgraceharrison) and read Jarrod’s words if they would like to see faith in action!

    Anyway, thanks for sharing portions of your life with us, and for sharing Hannah Grace’s name!

  • Kristen Wells Wiggins
    July 14, 2010 at 7:20 am

    Happy Birthday Paige!

    The corn salad is a favorite in my husbands family as well. Just wanted to tell you I did some sweet crunchy dills the other day and they are WONDERFUL! I’ve shared them with friends and family who loved them as well. Thanks for the recipe! I’ll keep this one around forever!

  • Emily
    July 14, 2010 at 7:21 am

    Saying prayers today for little Hannah Grace. Our God is more powerful than we could ever imagine and I pray that he will bring healing to this family. Thank you for sharing!

  • Emily
    July 14, 2010 at 7:25 am

    Happy Birthday Paige! Enjoy your special day!
    Yay! I opened a Flickr account the other day and quickly found yours Darby… I saw that corn salad and had my fingers crossed it would end up on your blog as a recipe!
    My heart hangs heavy for little Hannah Grace and her family. Wishing for a miracle for the little sweetie pie.

  • natalie @ our old southern house
    July 14, 2010 at 7:32 am

    {i’m a 1st-3rd grade reading teacher}
    i love tomie de paolo, eve bunting, and chris van allsburg books–especially the older your kids get.
    salad looks delish–will definitely need to try it out!

  • Katie
    July 14, 2010 at 7:35 am

    I can’t wait to try your recipe…it looks scrumptious! The little linen dresses on the girls…how sweet! I’m praying for your friends right now…and will continue.

  • Mandy
    July 14, 2010 at 7:39 am

    That sweet Hannah Grace….brought me to tears how precious she is…we are praying for her right now! Can’t believe Paige is four…she is too precious! Her little personality is sweet…I can tell in the pictures! I love the picture of you with the kids! And the corn salad…yum! Always looking for something new and fresh to take to cookouts and feed a crowd! We are burning up here too, in Charleston SC…the real feel today is 110! We have taken to books, puzzles, puppet shows and jamming to our VBS cd as well! Off to make breakfast and head to the library! Have a good day!

  • Amber
    July 14, 2010 at 7:40 am

    I have been reading your blog for over a year now and just really enjoy your realness, creativity, beautiful family and delicious recipes.

    I will definitely be praying for Hannah Grace and her family.

  • Melissa
    July 14, 2010 at 7:53 am

    Happy Birthday to Paige! I love reading all about your daily adventures with your kids! The fun you have each and everyday is contagious and reminds me to enjoy the small pleasures in life! Can’t wait to make the Creamy Corn Salad, it looks delicious and will help me use up lots of ingredients from our garden!

    The dresses you got for your girls from Italy are absolutely adorable. I am hoping to study abroad next year in France and am definitely looking forward to finding some cute accessories/outfits to bring back for my family.

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Hannah Grace and her family. I know that God’s grace may not be able to take away the pain and hurt they are feeling but His grace WILL help to comfort and heal them.

  • Michelle
    July 14, 2010 at 7:54 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with Hannah Grace and all of the Harrison’s. Cancer is such a hard thing to deal with, but when it strikes a child who has barely started their life — it’s even more heartbreaking.

    Thanks for the recipe!

  • jenn
    July 14, 2010 at 8:11 am

    LOVE the picture of the children washing dishes! That’s classic. Glad Paige is on the mend! And Happy Birthday to her!!!

  • Cat Moore
    July 14, 2010 at 8:24 am

    Wow, I will be praying for their family and for little Hannah Grace. My two year old walked up to computer while I was reading this and pointed to you, Darby, in the picture with your girls and said “Mommy”. I do have long, dark hair. I told him that was such a compliment. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Rhonda
    July 14, 2010 at 8:49 am

    I will be praying for Hannah Grace and her family. That is heart-breaking. I’m at work and don’t dare view the video or I will be bawling.

    I am so glad to see that you are feeling better! The girls are precious in thier dresses…and Happy Birthday to Paige! (her teeth look great, btw!)

  • Tessa
    July 14, 2010 at 9:07 am

    What an incredible family! My prayers for Hannah Grace. I can only imagine what they are going through. I doubt there is a mother who could watch that video and not cry her eyes out. Their faith & grace through such pain is an inspiration for everyone.

  • Tiffany Hill
    July 14, 2010 at 9:09 am

    I follow your blog, and have for a while now, but I thought you’d get a kick out of this. I am a registered nurse at UAB in the nursery, and one of our doctors walked by and she was raving over the pic of the kids washing dishes. She asked what I was looking at and I told her it was just a blog that I follow, and that those were your kids. She was stunned, as in she didn’t believe me. She honestly thought this was like Pottery Barn or something. She said it looked like a picture you’d see in that magazine!! Talk about a compliment! Will be trying the corn salad asap btw! Also, watched the video, cried in the middle of a nursery full of screaming, healthy babies, and thanked god for my three healthy sons at home! Praying for them and their journey.

  • sloan
    July 14, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Happy Birthday to your special girl … mine has her birthday on Sunday ๐Ÿ˜‰
    The corn salad looks so delicious, thanks for sharing!
    Will say a prayer too …

  • Jen
    July 14, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Those linen dresses are the cutest things I have seen. Love your Rovers little crab outfit too..

    Happy birthday to your little girl. And saying a prayer for a sweet little angel Hannah Grace.

  • Susan
    July 14, 2010 at 10:24 am

    So glad you and Paige are feeling better. I love those linen dresses. Your children are just gorgeous. Happy, happy birthday to Paige. Thank you for sharing Hannah Grace. Saying prayers for her and her family.

  • Cath
    July 14, 2010 at 10:30 am

    ~Asking for comfort for Hannah Grace and her family, Peace~

  • Val
    July 14, 2010 at 10:39 am

    Your summer looks great….I too am doing lots of reading with kiddies. Sending positive vibes to Hannah Grace!

  • Maren
    July 14, 2010 at 10:52 am

    Thoughts are definitely with little miss Hannah Grace.

    Photos are great! ๐Ÿ™‚ The girls look adorable in those dresses. Where did you get that yellow beaded necklace?? Love it!

  • Elizabeth
    July 14, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Thank you so much for continually sharing your precious family with us! I have been reading your blog for awhile now and you are a constant inspiration to me! Thank you for the link to Hannah Grace, her story and family’s faith has definitely impacted me. Continue to keep us entertained and enjoy your summer!

  • shireen
    July 14, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Hey, girl,
    Yall look so good! Very sweet dresses, and I can’t believe it’s Paige’s b’day! Wow! Time is FLYING by! Thank you, also for sharing about Hannah Grace’s story, and I’ve just prayed for her and for them. May God continue to be glorified in her sweet life, through her family’s embrace of His will, and may He continue to give them His peace that is the only peace that surpasses all comprehension, as well as His amazing comfort.
    We are doing well…here in MO. Truly thankful for God’s will. It is good, pleasing and perfect, isn’t it, friend? I am thankful.
    It’s good to see pics of the house and feel like I’m right there with yall. What a treat that I’ve gotten to visit. Thank you for that.
    Love to each and all of you!

  • Amanda @ Serenity Now
    July 14, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    You and your girls are so pretty! ๐Ÿ™‚ Love those cute linen dresses. My little girls love stuff with pockets too. I am definitely going to have to try out your music theory and see if it works with the cleaning. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Emily
    July 14, 2010 at 6:41 pm

    Might just be my favorite new recipe!!!! Thanks for sharing!

  • Kate
    July 14, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing the yummy summer recipe. I just love checking out your blog almost as much as I love the Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie series! “Party! party! Party! party! My soon to be first grader nephew loves them!

  • Sue
    July 14, 2010 at 10:28 pm

    Thank you for sharing the prayer request for sweet Hannah Grace. I am in tears as I watch the video. It was so powerful. May God grant healing for this dear child and may He give her parents extra grace as they walk through this very difficult time. Her little face is so sweet, trusting and peaceful.

  • Amy
    July 15, 2010 at 1:46 am

    Thanks for posting Hannah Grace’s video. I lived for several years in the small little town in Alabama where they have family. They are such a fine and well thought of family that deserves our love and prayers.

  • Deidre
    July 15, 2010 at 6:33 am

    happy birthday paige! my mary martin will be 4 soon also! (my 1st child was going to be john martin if a boy/mary martin if a girl!) and i was already in tears so i didn’t go to the harrison’s site, but i have talked to the Father on their behalf.

  • May
    July 15, 2010 at 7:30 am

    Happy birthday to your pretty little Paige! Glad she’s feeling better.

  • Lisa @ lists in my pocket
    July 15, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Happy birthday Paige! What great pictures. I hope to try out that recipe too! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • CHI ANNE
    July 15, 2010 at 9:25 am

    You are so beautiful!! I love YOUR outfit- and the girls
    will be lifting hannah grace up in prayer- thanks for sharing!!

  • Lynn
    July 15, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    HaPpY BiRtHdAy Paige!! So glad to know you are feeling better! Wooo Hooo… now that’s what I call an assembly line (at the kitchen sink!) Can you send them right over after while?!?! LOL!! Girl, it HAS been HOT for sure! My poor plants outside on my screened in porch are suffering and my flowers on the front porch are wilted despite that they are supposed to be heat hardy and I water them every morning now. Poor things. ๐Ÿ™ Fall will be welcome! Now I’m about to go and read Hannah Grace’s page. Bless their hearts. I saw another Dothan blogger (Tonja- Gatherings) had written about her as well. I don’t know them personally but am sadly all too familiar with cancer and how it hurts families. They are in my prayers.
    You guys have a great day!
    Lynn

  • alison g. (brazil)
    July 15, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    Awww…Happy Birthday, Paige, you little cupcake, you! Paige reminds me a lot of my Avery. I know if they met, they’d be great rovers together!
    I don’t know what I would cling to were the Lord to choose to take one of my babies from me. I’d like to say the cross, as the Harrisons have, but it would be very, very difficult. All my prayers to Hannah Grace, and her sweet, sweet soul.

  • Stacy
    July 16, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Little rover is looking more and more like a little man! The necklace you got from that sweet old lady is beautiful. (i think I’m remembering that right) It looks like you could have gotten it from Banana Republic. Stylish!

    Lord wrap Your hands around little Hannah and her family!

  • Carson
    July 17, 2010 at 11:20 am

    I bet blue cheese crumbles or feta crumbles would taste good in the salad as well.
    Lord please hold the Harrison family in the palms of your hands and give them strength and courage.

  • Cyndi
    July 17, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    One year ago our family’s world was turned upside down when our Hannah from Utah, while on her annual summer trip to visit us in Chipley, FL, was diagnosed with brain cancer. From the very beginning we witnessed one miracle after another from our Heavenly Father and we know that he answers prayers. We learned of prayers for our Hannah from as far away as Africa. Bless you for sharing Hannah Grace’s story. Your post increased prayers for this precious child and through an Army of prayer warriors her battle may be won. We are so blessed to be able to say that our Hannah’s cancer was undetectable after only 4 months with the initial diagnosis being very grim. Much less importantly, the corn salad has been a favorite of my family for several years. Instead of the cucumber we add green bell pepper.

  • kate
    July 18, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Those dresses from Florence are beautiful! I recognize your necklace from your find at the house auction in Illinois. Beautiful! Happy Birthday to Paige!

  • Gail Mitchell
    July 18, 2010 at 10:38 am

    Darby, I made this and it is WONDERFUL!!!! I even made it for company, and she loved it, too! I added another can of corn the next night and it, too, was great! Thanks….P.S. I am in Atlanta and couldn’t find ONE can of shoe=peg corn…Unreal! Public’s didn’t even have it! The regular stuff works!

  • Jennifer
    July 18, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    The day you posted this recipe I was looking at a pile of cucumbers, tomatoes, and corn from our CSA delivery wondering what to do with it all. Thank you! I made it last night and it was enjoyed by all.

    Recently found your blog… loving the photos of your Florida life… looks like home. I grew up in Jacksonville and am now in DC.

  • Carrie
    July 19, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I love your blog and have to admit it I found it through a friends while blog stalking! I have been reading you blog every since. I love your pictures and dream of one day owning a camera like yours…

  • Rachel
    July 20, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    I made your/your MIL’s corn salad recipe yesterday and you were right, it is DELICIOUS!! Thanks for sharing! I took it to a friend who just had a baby (she reads your blog too) and had some leftover for us. Mike LOVED it! The picture of you with the girls is a really good one, you are beautiful sweet Darby!

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  • Tippy
    July 21, 2010 at 11:17 am

    Well, since you now have me hooked on Jane’s Crazy Salted cucumbers on a cream cheesed bagel, I will now have to try this corn recipe. Looks delish! Thank you! xo

  • Julie
    July 21, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    This recipe reminds me of a family one that I have, minus the peas, which sounds much better to me! Thanks for sharing – and reminding me again that I need to get to the library!

  • Becky
    July 23, 2010 at 9:55 am

    The creamy corn salad was delicious!! Thanks for sharing! I have said it before, you are an inspiration to me. Your honesty in raising children, your creativity, and your desire to please the Lord all shines through your wonderful blog! Your “realness” is so refreshing. Much love to your sweet family.
    xoxo

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